Skype Launches Redesigned Desktop App With Cross-Device Functionality Between iOS and macOS

[MacRumors]

After first redesigning its iOS app and previewing a new update for Macs and desktop computers earlier this year, Microsoft has announced that its new Skype desktop software is launching today. The next-generation Skype desktop software is built to emulate the redesigned mobile application, which launched in June with an emphasis on media sharing and social networking features, although the iOS app's Snapchat-like "Highlights" feature isn't on Mac at this time.

The new Skype Mac app connects across devices to the iOS app, and includes customizable themes, an organizable chat list, and cloud-based file sharing. A new "notification panel" lets users catch up on missed messages in one place -- including reactions, @mentions, and quotes -- and you can jump directly to these notifications by clicking on them.

A new chat media gallery has been implemented as a place users can quickly find shared content including media, links, and files. Add-ins can also be introduced into each chat, ranging from GIF-based applications to event scheduling, sending money, video sharing, and more.

When in a video chat or a text conversation, users can send reactions to express how they're feeling, and set status updates to let friends know when they aren't available. In total, Skype said that the goal for the new update is to help its users increase personal and professional productivity, while also unifying the Skype ecosystem across devices.

To download the new features, Skype said that anyone with automatic updates enabled on Mac, Windows 10 November Update (2016) and lower, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Linux will receive the update as it begins rolling out today. To download it manually, users can visit Skype.com.

Article Link: Skype Launches Redesigned Desktop App With Cross-Device Functionality Between iOS and macOS

 

[canadianreader]

It's an update I will not put on my computer the iOS version has already been a disaster. Will keep the old fashion version until it becomes obsolete.

 

[avanpelt]

Skype was my go-to video conferencing platform for years. The other day, I deleted the Mac and iOS apps from my devices because I couldn't remember the last time I used Skype. There are so many better solutions out there these days. Microsoft drove the platform into the ground.

 

[Prabas]

Why would anyone willingly update Skype to this ugly interface?

 

[DCJ001]

It's an update I will not put on my computer the iOS version has already been a disaster. Will keep the old fashion version until it becomes obsolete.

I am in complete agreement with you. I am still using the older version on my iPhone, and I will not update to the new version on my Mac.

 

[JonoH]

So I thought id try this out... downloaded... doesn't even open on 10.13....

 

[canadianreader]

I am in complete agreement with you. I am still using the older version on my iPhone, and I will not update to the new version on my Mac.

I made the mistake and updated my iOS version then I reverted back to the old version with Charles.app and iTunes. I also locked Skype on my mac in case it autoupdates without my permission.

 

[Applebot1]

I’ve never used Skype as most people I know have iOS so FaceTime is my choice of video chat. Is Skype still as popular as it was?

 

[C DM]

Skype was my go-to video conferencing platform for years. The other day, I deleted the Mac and iOS apps from my devices because I couldn't remember the last time I used Skype. There are so many better solutions out there these days. Microsoft drove the platform into the ground.

Those many better solutions these days being?

 

[KALLT]

I find Skype still indispensable for group video chat. It has the best cross-platform support still.

 

[scottcampbell]

I’ve never used Skype as most people I know have iOS so FaceTime is my choice of video chat. Is Skype still as popular as it was?

Mainly for podcasting.

 

[rgeneral]

I find Skype still indispensable for group video chat. It has the best cross-platform support still.

I stopped using Skype for a while now. There are so many other alternatives that are so much better that have cross platform support.

 

[2499723]

The new Skype for iOS is an overbaked horror. It is terribly slow, sometimes crashes and I often have to call twice before it connects to a landline or mobile without being muted (embarrassing depending on who the recipient of the call is). I’m on an iPhone 6, so I suppose I am just expected to accept this.

 

[KALLT]

I stopped using Skype for a while now. There are so many other alternatives that are so much better that have cross platform support.

Such as?

 

[avanpelt]

Those many better solutions these days being?

For personal video calls, I use a mix of FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. 100% of the people I communicate with are reachable via one or more of those platforms. For professional video calls, I primarily use FaceTime and GoToMeeting. GoToMeeting is not free, but it's been reliable for me for years and well worth the price I pay for it to collaborate with colleagues.

 

[KALLT]

For personal video calls, I use a mix of FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. 100% of the people I communicate with are reachable via one or more of those platforms. For professional video calls, I primarily use FaceTime and GoToMeeting. GoToMeeting is not free, but it's been reliable for me for years and well worth the price I pay for it to collaborate with colleagues.

That's why I distinctly mentioned group video chat. There isn't a better and more practical alternative for this right now.

 

[avanpelt]

Such as?

WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger come to mind as far as free services are concerned. I also pay for GoToMeeting, and it's been invaluable for me professionally.
[doublepost=1509383577][/doublepost]

That's why I distinctly mentioned group video chat. There isn't a better and more practical alternative for this right now.

I'm sorry, I was intending to reply to someone else when I quoted you originally.

 

[redheeler]

The next-generation Skype desktop software is built to emulate the redesigned mobile application,

You don't build an app for desktop with the intention being to emulate a mobile experience. Clearly Microsoft has learned nothing from Windows 8, so I can only be glad I am a Mac user and Apple has the right approach...

 

[bobnugget]

If you go to the download page linked in the article and click the dropdown on the right you can get the good old "classic" client from this link: https://go.skype.com/classic.skype

 

[rgeneral]

Such as?

There are so many. Free ones. What apps Facebook. Google
Paid. Even more. Slack as an example.

All those apps does a better job in syncing the messages across platform than Skype.

 

[garirry]

Such as?

Discord is fantastic and just recently it's gotten video chat and screen sharing. I almost exclusively use it now, and I'm planning to ditch Skype for good very, very soon because of it.

 

[asumaran]

Such as?

Zoom, Screenhero (now part of slack), Facetime, Fb Messenger, Hangouts

 

[macLifestyle]

So I thought id try this out... downloaded... doesn't even open on 10.13....

Relaunch. It works the second time.
[doublepost=1509429285][/doublepost]

So I thought id try this out... downloaded... doesn't even open on 10.13....

Attempt a relaunch. It worked for us the second launch.
[doublepost=1509429583][/doublepost]This is not available via an in app update for Mac users. When you go to the download page you must look to the bottom of the page and select “Skype Preview”. This is the 8.x.x version. The current release is still 7.x.x.

 

[skylamar]

The redesign of Skype is terrible. I agree with redheeler that changing a desktop app to emulate a mobile app is a bad approach and Microsoft should know better.

I use Skype for Mac heavily. I pay for Skype Out, which lets me dial USA phone numbers. I pay for a Skype Number to receive incoming calls. I use both in conjunction with my Google Voice number. That arrangement helps me make calls without using my phone's minutes. And I own Ecamm's Call Recorder for Skype so I can record any important calls (or video chats).

The redesign doesn't provide any benefits at all for me. It also won't allow me to access my Mac's contacts from within Skype, which I can do with the older version.

So I've deleted the new version and I'll use the older one as long as it still works.

 

[ReidsArt]

I had always been happy with Skype and recommended it until a few months ago when the updates made it practically unusable.

I mistakenly updated it on my phone first. It made changes that I did not want and that did not improve anything. It slowed down the service so much that I no longer use it on my phone.

I have continued to use Skype on my macbook and was even talking to family last night. This morning I have a notice that I have been logged out until I install an update. This is a forced update and very annoying. Why break something that worked well?

Some of the problems I have noticed with Skype include: problems accepting incoming calls; not notifying of incoming calls until they are missed, even when the app is open; useless color and sound changes; long load times; problems ending ongoing calls; etc. None of these issues existed until the recent "updates".

I recently tried to Skype with my aunt and Skype had locked her out and would not send her a new password until she updated and got a different email account. As a result, we were unable to use the Skype service at all. After almost an hour on the phone trying to get connected on Skype, we gave up and used Zoom. I guess we will have to start using other services instead of the now broken Skype.